I move from Orange County, California to Memphis in 2022 with my Chevy Bolt. Initially I wasn't sure if it was the right call to bring an electric car to a town in Tennessee where even a grocery store trip could be 10 miles.
However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Memphis had more to offer for electric car enthusiasts than I initially expected.
They're plenty of chargers around you'll see many Teslas and other EVs all over the place. But if you're used to charging your car almost anywhere and then popping into a mall or restaurant...you've still got to plan a little ahead.
In this post I'll explain the pros and cons of having an electric car in Memphis and things you absolutely must keep in mind when brining your non gas guzzling friend here.
Pros and Cons of Electric Cars in Memphis
Charging Infrastructure & Parking Costs:
One of the first things I noticed was the availability of Level 2 chargers throughout the city.
Whether at shopping centers, hotels, or public spaces, Memphis seemed to embrace the transition to electric vehicles. That's awesome, but it also means you will have time to kill.
Unfortunately many of the stations are in parking structures, which means not only are you going to pay $11-$17 to charge your car 6-8 hours, you're also going to pay $10-$15 in parking!
Level 2 chargers are convenient for daily charging needs, providing a steady replenishment of energy over a few hours.
If you're going to live in downtown Memphis you'll likely need a garage membership at any of the various parking structures anyways (roughly $100 a month) - so those nice electric vehicle spots will also be included in that, which is fine. In that case you can ignore the parking cost.
Most of the charging points in Memphis as of 2024 are ChargePoint or Blink.
Both require you to figure out their apps which can be annoying to do in the moment from your phone so try and do it before (e.g. taking out your card, signing up, etc..).
Lack of DC Fast Charging in Downtown Memphis
The downside came in the form of limited DC fast charging stations.
While Level 2 chargers cater well to local driving, the scarcity of fast chargers could pose challenges for those planning longer trips or needing a quick top up.
Remember if you're living in Midtown or Downtown, you will need to keep your car at a charging station for 6-8 hours to get the full range.
Road Trips and Fast Charging:
Surprisingly, the feasibility of road trips from Memphis turned out to be quite promising.
Driving to nearby cities like Nashville or Little Rock proved to be stress-free, thanks to the growing network of fast chargers along the route. Electrify America's fast-charging stations strategically placed on highways allowed me to make these trips with ease.
Knowing that reliable fast chargers are available en route alleviated any range anxiety, making long-distance travel a viable option for EV owners in Memphis.
They're also fast charging stations near the Costco, Ikea and tons of American chain restaurants in the Germantown shopping center, so you can easily get 200 miles filled up while doing some errands.
When we moved to Memphis and would would make our weekly 20 minute drives to Germantown to get stuff for the house, I probably used these fast chargers almost every visit.
Weather Impacts on Range:
It's essential to address the impact of weather on electric vehicles in Memphis.
During the cold months of December and January, the temperature drop can lead to a significant reduction in an electric car's range.
In some instances, my Chevy Bolt lost up to half of its usual range during particularly cold days.
I was getting around 270 miles on a $19 charge during the summer months, only to get around 120 miles on that same $19 during the freezing and icy winters.
This weather-related limitation is a crucial factor to consider, especially for those dependent on their EVs year-round.
Summary and Considerations:
In summary, Memphis proves to be a welcoming city for electric vehicle owners, offering an extensive Level 2 charging network and the convenience of road trips with the availability of fast chargers.
The city's commitment to sustainable transportation is evident, making it an excellent place for daily EV use and local travel.
However, a few considerations must be taken into account.
The limited number of DC fast chargers may pose challenges for those planning frequent long-distance trips. Additionally, the impact of cold weather on an EV's range is a noteworthy factor that residents should be aware of, particularly during the winter months of December and January.
Would I Buy a Second Electric Vehicle in Memphis?
Probably not.
For everyday commuting and local travel, an electric car is great here given the daily large distances and fuel savings.
Nevertheless, for families with varied travel needs, keeping a gas-powered vehicle might be a practical decision, given the lower cost of fuel in Memphis compared to electric charging. While gas is $5.5 a gallon in Los Angeles, it has stayed around $2.8 in Memphis. So you'll weight things differently here than you would anywhere else.
Regardless, as the city continues to embrace sustainable practices, the future of electric vehicles in Memphis looks promising.
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